Allegedly Yours

Never Mine

Chapter 23

Aston looked at Nyrah, flabbergasted, unable to comprehend her words. Meanwhile, Nyrah smiled lightly, tears still streaming from her eyes. "I can't help it, Aston. Loving you was never my choice; it just happened without me knowing."

"When did it happen?" he asked, still unable to believe her.

"I don't know exactly, but it happened a little more every time, every moment I saw these eyes of yours. Whenever we were at a party or event, my eyes would start searching for you. And when you looked at me and smiled, my heart fluttered, and butterflies danced in my stomach. Aston, I thought it was infatuation and would go away soon, but then I saw you with Elena in the library that day." Nyrah stopped, a painful look crossing her face. "And after that, I was never fine, seeing how much she matters to you."

"I couldn't accept that you were never mine," Nyrah sobbed harder, her body trembling in his hold, unable to control the flood of emotions. The rain began to pour down, drenching them both, but neither seemed to notice. The dark clouds above mirrored the turmoil in Nyrah's heart.

Aston stood there, speechless, the weight of her confession sinking in. He felt a pang of guilt and confusion, but more than anything, he felt an overwhelming need to comfort her. Without a word, he pulled her into his embrace, wrapping his arms around her protectively. Nyrah clung to him tightly, her tears soaking his shirt, as if her life depended on this moment of connection.
Aston's heart ached with every tear she shed. He rested his chin on top of her head, closing his eyes as he held her, offering silent support. The world around them blurred, leaving just the two of them standing together, entwined in a moment of raw vulnerability and unspoken emotions.

Nyrah pulled away from Aston's embrace, her eyes searching his face with a mix of desperation and sorrow.

"Aston—" she began, her voice trembling, "You don't love me, right?" She couldn't contain the question that had been burning inside her.

"You don't even care about me," she pressed, her voice growing more insistent. "Tell me you don't feel anything for me."

Aston's face softened, and he opened his mouth to respond. "Nyrah, Elena will—"

But Nyrah cut him off, her voice rising with a sharp edge. "Elena, Elena, and only Elena! You only love her," she choked out, a sob escaping her lips.

Tears streamed down her face as she continued, "Thanks for showing me reality, Aston. I'll never try to come between you both." With that, she turned and ran, her footsteps echoing in the silence, leaving Aston standing there, stunned and speechless.

The camp side

The scene was alive with energy and laughter. In the middle of the clearing, a roaring fire crackled, casting a warm, flickering glow on the faces of everyone dancing and drinking around it. The lively music mingled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, creating an atmosphere of carefree joy. John, their tour guide, was amidst the revelers, his usually composed demeanor relaxed as he danced and laughed with the group. On the other side, a group of girls was busy preparing a barbeque. The air was rich with the mouth-watering aroma of grilling meat and vegetables. The girls chatted and giggled as they tended to the food,

"Hey girls, let's go dancing!" one of them called out, her excitement infectious. Everyone put their plates aside, eager to join the fun.

"Wait, where should we keep these cylinders?" another asked, glancing at the propane tanks used for the barbeque.

"Ummm, keep them inside the room of the wooden house," someone suggested.

"Okay, let's do it fast," said one of the girls as she and another lifted a cylinder. They hurriedly carried it to the wooden house, unaware that the valve was still open. The cylinder hissed softly as they placed it carelessly inside, too eager to join the dancing to notice the potential danger.

Nyrah stood at the cliff's edge, her gaze empty as she looked out over the precipice. The man she loved was never hers, a truth she couldn't accept. She was already dangerously close to the edge, but she took another step forward, recalling his words: "I love Elena." Another step: "He was never mine." And yet another: "He has no future with me." Now, she stood at the very brink, the cool breeze ruffling her hair, but she didn't care.

"Nyrah, stop it!" a voice called out. She turned, shocked to see Aston standing there.

"Aston, what are you doing here? Just leave me alone!" she yelled, her voice filled with anguish.

"Nyrah, get away from there; it's dangerous," he warned, his voice edged with fear.

"Aston, I'll take care of myself. You should go to Elena," she replied, her tone resigned.

Aston saw the torment in her face. He couldn't bring himself to leave, especially now, when she seemed capable of anything.

Ignoring his words, Nyrah turned back towards the cliff, her mind made up. As she stepped forward, her foot slipped on the loose gravel, and a yelp escaped her lips. She thought this was the end, bracing for the inevitable fall. But instead of plunging into the abyss, she felt a strong grip pulling her back. She gasped, feeling the heat of his breath on her face.

Aston's arms were wrapped around her, holding her securely. His face was inches from hers, his expression a mixture of fear and relief.

Nyrah opened her eyes, finding herself staring directly into Aston's intense hazel eyes.

"Never ever try to do something like this again," he commanded, his strict tone making her tremble.

Nyrah stood up, trying to free herself from Aston's hold, but he held her firmly. Confused, she looked up at him and saw an intensity in his hazel eyes that she had never seen before. As he drew her closer, the rain began to pour down harder, mirroring the growing fire between them.

Aston moved even closer, as if under a spell, pulling her tightly against him. Their breaths mingled, and the air around them crackled with unspoken emotions. He leaned in, their faces inches apart, and then his lips captured hers in a sudden, passionate kiss.

Nyrah was initially shocked, but the warmth and urgency of his kiss soon melted her resistance. She responded, kissing him back with equal fervor. Their lips moved in a desperate dance, stealing the essence of each other, tasting and exploring the new, unexpected connection. The rain continued to pour, drenching them both, but they were lost in their own world, where only the heat of their embrace mattered.

"Aston," a sharp tone cut through the air, making them both pull away from each other abruptly.

"Elena," Aston whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of shock and guilt.

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